8 Signs Your Teen May Benefit from Counselling in Geelong

As a parent, it can be challenging to know when your teenager’s struggles are a normal part of adolescence and when they may benefit from professional support. In Geelong, teen counselling has emerged as a vital resource for young people navigating the complexities of mental health, relationships, and personal growth.

In this article, we’ll explore eight signs that your teen may benefit from counselling and how seeking help can make a crucial difference in their well-being and future success.

Persistent Changes in Mood or Behaviour

One of the most common signs that your teen may benefit from counselling is persistent changes in their mood or behaviour. While some emotional ups and downs are normal during adolescence, sudden or prolonged shifts in your teen’s demeanour can be a red flag for underlying mental health concerns.

These changes may include:

Increased irritability, anger, or aggressiveness
Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
Withdrawal from friends and family
Dramatic changes in sleep or eating patterns

If you notice these changes persisting for several weeks or interfering with your teen’s daily functioning, it may be time to consider counselling. A trained counsellor can help your teen identify and address the root causes of their emotional distress, develop healthy coping strategies, and build resilience.

Difficulty Coping with Stress or Anxiety

Another sign that your teen may benefit from counselling is difficulty coping with stress or anxiety. Adolescence is a time of significant change and pressure, from academic demands and social challenges to family conflicts and future uncertainties.

While some stress is normal and even beneficial, excessive or prolonged stress can take a toll on your teen’s mental health and well-being.

Signs that your teen may be struggling with stress or anxiety include:

Frequent worrying or rumination
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue
Avoidance of stress-inducing situations or activities
Reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance use or self-harm

Counselling can provide your teen with a safe, supportive space to explore their stressors, develop effective coping skills, and build resilience. A counsellor can teach your teen evidence-based techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation, and cognitive restructuring to manage anxiety and stress in healthy, adaptive ways.

Struggles with Self-Esteem or Body Image

Self-esteem and body image issues are common concerns for many Geelong teenagers, particularly in today’s social media-driven culture. Adolescence is a time of significant physical, emotional, and social changes, and many teens struggle to develop a positive, accepting relationship with their bodies and identities.

Signs that your teen may be struggling with self-esteem or body image include:

Negative self-talk or self-criticism
Preoccupation with weight, shape, or appearance
Frequent comparison to others or idealised images
Avoidance of social situations or activities due to self-consciousness
Engagement in disordered eating behaviours or excessive exercise

Counselling can help your teen develop a healthier, more compassionate relationship with themselves. A counsellor can challenge negative self-beliefs, promote self-acceptance, and teach your teen to prioritise self-care and self-compassion.

Difficulty Forming or Maintaining Relationships

Relationships play a crucial role in your teen’s social, emotional, and identity development. However, many Geelong teenagers struggle to form and maintain healthy, supportive connections with peers, family members, and romantic partners.

Signs that your teen may be having difficulty with relationships include:

Frequent conflicts or arguments with others
Difficulty expressing needs or setting boundaries
Involvement in unhealthy or abusive relationships
Social isolation or withdrawal
Excessive dependence on or control in relationships

Counselling can help your teen develop the skills and self-awareness needed to build and maintain positive, fulfilling relationships.

A counsellor can teach effective communication, conflict resolution, and assertiveness skills, as well as help your teen identify and address unhealthy relationship patterns.

They can also provide a safe space for your teen to process relationship challenges and develop a stronger sense of self.

Trauma or Grief

Trauma and grief are significant life events that can have a profound impact on your teen’s mental health and well-being.

Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a serious accident or illness, or exposure to violence or abuse, these experiences can leave lasting emotional scars and interfere with your teen’s ability to function and thrive.

Signs that your teen may be struggling with trauma or grief include:

Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
Avoidance of reminders or triggers related to the traumatic event
Emotional numbness or detachment
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue
Substance use or other risky behaviours as a means of coping

Counselling can provide your teen with a safe, supportive space to process their trauma or grief and begin the healing process.

A counsellor trained in trauma-informed care can help your teen develop coping skills, challenge negative beliefs, and build resilience. They can also connect your teen with additional resources and support services as needed.

Academic Challenges or School Refusal

Academic challenges and school refusal are common concerns for many Geelong parents, and they can often be signs of underlying emotional or mental health struggles. Whether it’s falling grades, difficulty concentrating, or refusing to attend school altogether, these challenges can have a significant impact on your teen’s future prospects and well-being.

Signs that your teen may be struggling academically or with school attendance include:

Sudden or persistent decline in grades or performance
Lack of motivation or interest in schoolwork
Frequent absences or tardiness
Avoidance of school-related activities or socialising
Complaints of physical symptoms on school days, such as headaches or stomachaches

Counselling can help your teen identify and address the root causes of their academic challenges or school refusal.

A counsellor can work with your teen to develop study skills, manage stress and anxiety, and build self-efficacy and resilience.

They can also collaborate with school personnel to develop accommodations and support plans as needed.

Substance Use or Risky Behaviours

Substance use and risky behaviours are serious concerns for many Geelong teenagers, and they can often be signs of underlying emotional or mental health struggles.

Whether it’s experimenting with drugs or alcohol, engaging in unsafe sexual practices, or participating in dangerous activities, these behaviours can have serious consequences for your teen’s health, safety, and future.

Signs that your teen may be engaging in substance use or risky behaviours include:

Changes in peer group or sudden secrecy about activities
Declining grades or performance in school or extracurricular activities
Finding drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia in your teen’s possession
Mood swings, irritability, or changes in sleep or eating patterns
Legal or disciplinary problems related to substance use or risky behaviours

Counselling can provide your teen with a non-judgmental, supportive space to explore the reasons behind their substance use or risky behaviours and develop healthier coping strategies.

A counsellor can help your teen identify and challenge the thoughts and beliefs that drive these behaviours, build motivation for change, and develop a plan for recovery and relapse prevention.

Family Conflicts or Changes

Finally, family conflicts or changes can be significant stressors for Geelong teenagers and may indicate a need for counselling support.

Whether it’s parental divorce, blended family dynamics, or conflicts with siblings or extended family members, these challenges can impact your teen’s emotional well-being, sense of security, and ability to thrive.

Signs that your teen may be struggling with family issues include:

Frequent arguments or conflicts with family members
Difficulty adjusting to changes in family structure or roles
Feelings of anger, sadness, or betrayal related to family issues
Avoidance of family activities or communication
Acting out or engaging in attention-seeking behaviours

Counselling can provide your teen with a safe, neutral space to process their feelings about family changes or conflicts and develop coping and communication skills.

A counsellor can help your teen identify and express their needs, set boundaries, and navigate family dynamics in healthy, adaptive ways.

Concluding Warning Signs

At Shake Counselling, we understand the challenges and pressures facing Geelong teenagers and their families. Our team of experienced, compassionate counsellors is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and support to help your teen overcome obstacles, build resilience, and thrive.

If you recognise any of these signs in your teen and believe they may benefit from counselling, we invite you to reach out to Shake Counselling.

Our doors are always open, and we are committed to working collaboratively with you and your teen to develop a personalised plan for growth and well-being.

Click below to learn more about our teen counselling services and how we can support your family. Together, we can help your teen navigate the challenges of adolescence and build a foundation for lifelong mental health and success.

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11 Newcastle St, Newtown VIC 3220

0422 868 258
Mon – Fri: 7:00am – 6:00pm
Sat: 7:00am – 2:00pm

About Us

We empower Geelong’s teens to navigate challenges, build strong relationships, and develop a positive sense of self.